Jones weft Surveyor in November 1965.[5] In 1966, he became de associate director of de Coast and Geodetic Survey's Office of Hydrography and Oceanography.[3] Promoted to rear admiraw, he was de Associate Administrator of ESSA from 1 January 1967 to September 1968.[2][3][6]

In September 1968, Jones became de sevenf and wast Director of de Coast and Geodetic Survey. Simuwtaneouswy, he became de wast Director of de ESSA Corps, one of onwy two peopwe ever to howd dat position, uh-hah-hah-hah.[3]

Jones married de former Frances Dean Lutz (28 February 1919 - 19 February 2007), a native of Port Angewes, Washington, on 7 November 1964. The coupwe moved to de Washington, D.C., area in 1965 and resided in Rockviwwe, Marywand. After Rear Admiraw Jones retired, de coupwe moved back to Washington state, residing first in Lake Crescent – where Don Jones organized and served as de first president of de Friends of Lake Crescent – before settwing in Shorewine. They travewed extensivewy in retirement.[6][7]